Catalytic Converter Thefts on The Rise in Tredyffrin

It could be a sign of the economic times, or simply a reflection of the precious metals market. found under vehicles. The converters are part of a vehicle's exhaust system and contain metals that are bringing in more money these days.

It's been a growing trend nation-wide as the economy has soured. Tredyffrin Police Chief Andrew Chambers tells Patch that there has been an upswing in the  and along the Main Line over the past few months "primarily centered around the train stations in our jurisdictions."

Chambers says locking your vehicle is always important but it doesn't stop these theives because the catalytic converter is underneath a vehcile and "we think what they do is slide under a car with a cordless sawsall or recipricating saw with a metal blade on it and cut the catalytic converter right out of the exhaust system."

Victims usually don't know their car's been vandalized until they start it up. Without the converter and a cut in the exhaust system, echaust never makes it to the muffler and makes a very loud noise when the engine is started.

Thieves often target vehicles that sit high off the ground, because they are easier to sneak under and work, especially in crowded lots, like the ones at SEPTA commuter rail stations.

Tredyffrin's police chief says his department has put extra attention on the problem and SEPTA Police are also increasing patrols.

The chief says public awareness and help can also help play a role in stopping the crimes. "We're asking our citizens to be very vigilant and if they see anything at all, that is suspicious, somone laying under a car, someone looking under a car, please get the cell phone out and dial 9-1-1 right away.